Gareth Edwards parts ways with ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ sequel over creative differences
Gareth Edwards has stepped away from the planned sequel to Jurassic World Rebirth.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Edwards was set to return after directing 2025’s Jurassic World Rebirth, but sources told the outlet that he exited the project over creative differences.
Universal did not explain what led to the split and only released a statement that read: “We had an incredible experience working with Gareth on Jurassic World Rebirth.“
David Koepp, the screenwriter who penned the original Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Rebirth, is still on the creative team.
Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali are also expected to reprise their roles, although a new director has yet to be announced.
Edwards’ departure marks the second time the sequel has lost a director. Before Edwards joined the project, David Leitch exited over creative differences with the studio.
Jurassic World Rebirth grossed $872.44 million worldwide and was positioned as a fresh chapter in the long-running dinosaur franchise.
Two years ago, Edwards spoke enthusiastically with Entertainment Weekly about the project and its potential future, describing it as “a new trilogy, in a way.”
He also called the Johansson-led movie a “brand-new chapter” in the franchise and described it as a “giant love letter” to Steven Spielberg and his earlier films.
“There are moments in this movie that remind me very much of Jaws,” Edwards said, explaining that the film was designed as an adventure and survival story set on an island.
The director’s exit continues a long history of creative changes behind the camera throughout the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchises. Spielberg launched the blockbuster saga with Jurassic Park in 1993 before returning to direct The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Joe Johnston later took over for Jurassic Park III.
Colin Trevorrow revived the franchise in 2015 with Jurassic World, starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. J.A. Bayona directed the follow-up, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Trevorrow was back with Jurassic World Dominion, a conclusion to Pratt’s storyline, which also brought back original stars Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum on screen for the first time since the original trilogy.
Jurassic World Rebirth introduced a new trio of leads with Johansson, Bailey and Ali, marking another era for the franchise.
With its main cast expected to return, Universal appears to be moving forward with the latest chapter despite another change in directors.
The thrilling cinematic universe, however, recently suffered a heartbreaking. Neill, who portrayed Dr. Alan Grant in the original trilogy, died from pneumonia at age 78 on July 13.